Studio Interviews: Brandon Mints (M!nts)

He’s been creating music as M!nts for several years and now Ontario-based artist and producer Brandon Mints chats to MusicTech about life in the studio…

MusicTech: Tell us more…

Brandon: My studio is located in Toronto, Ontario. I’ve been working on it for two years. It’d be amazing if I had the same equipment as a pro studio, but I’m more productive and comfortable when I’m in my own work space.

MT: Give us a rundown of the gear…

BM: MacBook Pro; ART power conditioner; Focusrite 18i20 interface; TK Audio BC1-S compressor; Korg minilogue synth; Yamaha HS8 monitors; AKG K271 MKII headphones; Tascam LD-74 condenser mic; Pioneer XDJ-RX mixer; Akai MPK mini keyboard; Acorn Masterkey 49-key MIDI keyboard; Waves Gold bundle; FabFilter full bundle.

MT: How do you use your studio?

BM: For mixing, producing and mastering records. Sometimes I record vocals, but I prefer to record them at a professional recording studio.

MT: Favourite gear?

BM: My TK BC1-S. Every time I throw records through it, it just brings them to life!

MT: Next on your shopping list?

BM: So many things… A Manley SLAM! limiter; Elysia Karacter Saturator; SSL G comp; a pair of distressors; Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph; Focusrite Red 4Pre; SSL AWS console; Adam A7 monitors; UAD 1176; SSL 500 Series EQs…

MT: Any advice?

BM: Invest as much time as you can. It doesn’t take long to learn the basics behind production, but make sure you don’t stress yourself out. Take a couple of hours out of your day to practice, always practice! Also, following pages like Music Tech can be very helpful. [A plug for us always helps! – Ed.